Dominica commemorated Flag Day on Monday, Oct 13, 2025. To celebrate the occasion a Flag Day Parade was observed in Roseau.
Reportedly, Dominicans were seen at home and abroad waving the national flag throughout the day. People celebrated it by proudly unfurling the national Flag of Dominica which was designed by the late Dr. Alwin Bully who captured the essence of the Nature Island with every colour telling a story.
The Flag Day was instituted by the Cultural Division as part of Independence Celebrations for the population to display and give recognition to the flag. It is a symbol of nationhood and national identity. The flag of Dominica we know today is the product of the recent design which was introduced on November 03, 1988 celebrating the 10th Independence Day after getting freedom from British rule in 1978.
Dominica’s flag is considered as one of the most intricate designs in the world. It consists of a circular emblem of red bearing a blue chested Sisserou Parrot standing on a twig. The parrot, must always face the flagpole, is encircled by ten lime green stars. The 10 stars are outlined in yellow.
This is superimposed by three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, black, and white forming a triple colored cross against a general background of forest green. In flag, each symbol and colour has a specific meaning and purpose.
The Green represents country’s rich nature and lush vegetation and forests. The colours in cross yellow symbolises sunshine and Kalinago culture. Black depicts African heritage and rich fertile black soil and White represents Waterfalls, unity and peace.
Then comes the central emblem in which the red disk symbolises the commitment to social justice. The Sisserou Parrot, which is endemic and endangered. It is the national bird of Dominica and shows commitment to conservation and its aspirations for greater heights. The 10 lime green stars surrounding the parrot represents 10 parishes of Dominica and is a symbol of hope.
Notably, the first official version of Dominica’s flag was officially revealed on November 03, 1978, at the Government headquarters. It was designed by the late Dr. Alwin Bully for a flag competition held earlier that year.
Whereas most flags have a maximum of four colors, Dominica’s national flag has eight, which makes it more complex and expensive to produce.